Danish PM Gives Indonesian President Autographed Metallica LP

Since starting out decades ago as just another ear-splitting California band, Metallica have gone on to conquer the world. As evidenced by a political photo op in Indonesia yesterday, they have plenty of fans in extremely high places.

As reported by The Jakarta Post, Danish prime minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen traveled to the country this week for a diplomatic visit to president Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, and as is customary when foreign dignitaries visit, the two swapped gifts. Widodo offered Rasmussen a traditional dagger called a rencong, while Rasmussen brought Widodo a present that was built to channel a different type of aggression: a deluxe edition of Metallica's recent Master of Puppets reissue.

As Metallica fans are aware, Rasmussen has a special connection with the group courtesy of drummer Lars Ulrich, who was born in Genofte, Denmark — and who further distinguished the prime minister's offering by adding his autograph to the cover. The gesture was evidently appreciated by Widodo, who told reporters that "Prime Minister Rasmussen understands my favorite [music]." The exchange was commemorated with a tweet from Rasmussen suggesting that Widodo "seemed eager to dig into his diplomatic gift from Denmark."

Receiving the box was hardly the first time noted Metallica fan Widodo has been in the news because of his fondness for the band's music. Before being elected, he made headlines for attending one of the group's shows; more recently, he was forced to temporarily surrender a bass signed by Robert Trujillo when it was alleged to be a bribe. Here's hoping no such fate awaits his new copy of the Master of Puppets reissue.